Eljay's has strong collections of history and mystery, sci-fi and cooking. But what most distinguishes it may be its sense of fun. The offbeat ownership is reflected in everything from the UFOlogy books to the chalk-outline silhouette on the floor by the mystery books. Having moved from the South Side, Eljay's is drawing customers with author readings and other events.

You can have your iDevices: Those of us who like to hold our digitally-stored media will be at The Exchange, with its used-music-store prices on a new-music-store selection. (A recent visit turned up a full wall-rack of Dylan CDs, for example.) Top that with movies in DVD/Blu-Ray, and video games for various platforms, and you need never leave your basement again.

2nd: Dave's Music Mine, South Side
3rd: Eide's Entertainment, Strip District

It's more "stuff" than "pianos" these days: This Blawnox landmark has drums, guitars, amps, accessories — whatever you might need to make your band work. And if you're booking your own gig (or playing, say, a wedding or whatever), you can also come here to rent PA equipment and the like to make it happen.

Anyone who has ever talked to a grandmother knows all too well that customer service — especially in shoe stores — ain't what it used to be. Little's Shoes, however, is the exception. This Squirrel Hill institution offers a wide selection of quality shoes, and some of the most attentive staff in town — but they won't hound you when you're just looking.

Henne Jewelers was founded in 1887 and has remained a family business ever since, now in its fourth generation. The store features a wide selection of fine jewelry, from engagement and wedding rings to designer collections and watches. And there's a range of prices here, too, thanks in no small part to Henne's "$100 Special of the Month."

Lawrenceville sweeps the fashion category this year, and Pavement is a big reason why. Founded in 2006, its to-die-for shoe collection helped the resurging area put its best foot forward. Accessories and clothing are also part of Pavement's mix, with locals sharing rack space with national brands. An intimate boutique where the selection seems larger than the floorspace could possibly contain.

Adding a piece of vintage clothing is a great way to make your look distinctive, and Avalon's got you covered with quality pre-selected garments. Danny Gurwin, assistant store manager at the Squirrel Hill location, confirms separates — shirts, sweaters, blazers — from the '50s, '60s, '80s and even the early '90s are popular. (The '70s, he says, are now "too costume-y.")

Everybody's on a budget these days, so why not head to the store where you can scoop up gently used clothing, furniture, books, dishware and who-knows-what-else for truly bargain prices? Plus, it's a higher calling to give this still-functional stuff a new forever home, and keep it out of the landfill. And return the favor by donating your unwanted goods!

2nd: Red, White and Blue, Brookline and Avalon
3rd: Salvation Army, South Side and West Mifflin

It's hard not to feel a little bit fancy when you exit the elevator directly into MCN's penthouse-style space. But it's not the great view, or the hip, comfortable decor that keeps people coming back. "We pay attention to all the details of customer service," explains co-owner Lisa McNamara. "It's not just about the haircut; it's about the experience."

Set in a 120-year-old Victorian home, the day spa offers hot stone, Swedish, deep tissue and aromatherapy massages, as well as couples and pregnancy massages. Facials, hand and foot grooming, and salon services are also offered. And no need to stress about parking — relief begins immediately as you enter its private lot.

This expansive, two-story gym houses everything from a pool and racquetball/basketball courts to a ladies-only room and "cardio cinema," where you can sweat in the dark while taking in a movie. Members have access to spacious locker rooms (with a sauna!), free parking and classes, plus childcare. For a few extra bucks, you can get a snack at the smoothie bar.

South Hills Power Yoga's experienced and certified staff offers classes for every ability and interest, from heated and non-heated power Vinyasa yoga, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, pre-natal yoga and classes for kids and teens. Plus, monthly, SHPY holds a 90-minute, heated music-themed class. Sign up for an extended pass or attend a pay-what-you-can class.

Healthful food starts with good ingredients, with an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainably produced. Whole Foods is an easy stop for such good-for-you basics as squash and apples from nearby; hemp oil; free-range Icelandic lamb; goat's milk; and an aisle's worth of bulk nuts, dried fruits, seeds and grains. You can also buy a cookie; we won't tell.

2nd: East End Food Co-Op, Point Breeze
3rd: Trader Joe's, East Liberty and Mount Lebanon

Greg Pasquarella's store is as much about community as it about gear. Sure, you can buy boards, shoes, clothes and other necessities for the skating lifestyle at this East Carson shop. But One Up also sponsors a dozen local skaters on the amateur skating circuit. The shop marks its 10th anniversary in the city this year.

2nd: Head Board Shop, South Side
3rd: Plank Eye Board Shop, Bellevue

Best Bicycle Shop

Kraynick's Bike Shop
5003 Penn Ave., Garfield412-361-0888

An institution in the city's bike scene, Kraynick's Bike Shop has everything a broken ride could ever need — probably hanging on a wall or stored in a drawer somewhere. Kraynick's is as much about creating a community as it is learning to fix your own bike with the help of owner Jerry Kraynick or one of his mechanics.

Whether you're a cigar aficionado or looking to buy a gift for one, consider this South Side purveyor of fine cigars as your first stop. Owner Marc Adams, who has operated the business since 1955, is as knowledgeable as they come and is the perfect tour guide through the store's gigantic walk-in humidor.

What do people like about Tattoo Noir? "A lot of tattoo shops have this 'tat bro' attitude," says tattoo artist Josh Suchoza. "We aren't that." Expect to get inked by friendly, talented people, all of whom have backgrounds in fine art. Plus, the shop itself has a welcoming lodge feel which should make even the most needle-shy feel at home.

A perennial finisher in both our body-piercing and tattoo categories, South Side Tattoo has been around for over a decade, offering friendly service for whatever your needs — from a simple ear-piercing to putting some hardware, er, down there. No appointment needed for piercings; just walk up and tell 'em you need a stud!

When hipsters took up bowling, they flocked to alleys like this old-school walk-up, complete with full bar. Now (as even The New York Times has noted), Arsenal's got weekly attractions like Rock and Bowl (live bands on the lanes) and a DJ-and-karaoke night. Sunday afternoons, bowling shoes are just 50 cents — and so are hot dogs and sodas.

Sure, it's a great place for the young'uns, but moms and dads (and older siblings) will have just as much fun seeking out the 400-some species that call the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium home. Check out Kids Kingdom, which — with a petting zoo, reptile house, playground, and more — is ranked one of the country's best children's zoos.

2nd: Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, North Side
3rd: Carnegie Science Center, North Side

Local crafters feature heavily at Wildcard, where you can find everything unique, cutesy and Pittsburgh-y. From baby onesies with little pierogies on them to jewelry and silk-screened prints for your walls, it's all handmade or small-run, and it's all adorable. Plus, for those of us who are challenged in the gift-wrapping discipline, they'll take care of that part for free.

In 2006, this no-kill animal shelter, which began as a small group of concerned citizens in 1943, opened the state-of-the-art Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center. It now provides the region with a shelter for homeless pets, as well as a veterinary clinic, resource library, classroom space and pet-therapy suites. It also offers low-cost spay and neuter programs.

What Sam Levin started in Mount Pleasant as a furniture and hardware store in 1920 has grown into one of the area's largest furniture chains. There are eight stores in the Pittsburgh region and another eight in Ohio. The showrooms are always brimming with different styles and varieties of couches, recliners, end tables and mattresses. And it always seems like they're having a sale, be it President's Day, Veteran's Day or your cat Fluffy's birthday.

2nd: IKEA, Robinson Township
3rd: Perlora, South Side and Strip District

What started as a small Chevy dealership in Ambridge in the 1950s has grown into one of the area's largest dealers of new and used vehicles. The company's flagship sits on Perry Highway in Wexford, but Baierl has several dealerships throughout the North Hills selling Acura, Cadillac, Chevy, Fiat, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, Scion, Subaru, Toyota and Isuzu. Add a top-notch service-and-parts department, and the company stands ready to serve its customers.

Let's face it: Shoving cash under your mattress isn't always the most practical option. But to which bank should you entrust your money? Set aside all the financial gobbledygook (and even PNC's bragging rights for, among other things, building more "green" buildings than any other company) and consider this crucial perk: PNC Bank's ATMs dispense $1 bills.

Why bring flowers to your wedding when you can bring your wedding to the flowers? Phipps, the venerable Victorian greenhouse, is set up for both ceremonies (complete with bridal dressing room) and receptions. (Note the catering kitchen.) With outdoor spaces and indoor sites including the Tropical Forest Conservatory, you just might imagine honeymooning here, too.